A £25,000 windfall will help a south Durham town celebrate its history.

A series of town trails will be created around Bishop Auckland to encourage people to take in elements of the town's history.

Bishop Auckland Community Partnership has been awarded a £24,695 Local Heritage Initiative grant from the Countryside Agency for the project.

A steering group formed by the partnership will work with residents, community groups and organisations to research the town's history, around which routes will be designed.

An artist will also help encourage children to get involved in the scheme through creative writing or artwork.

It is expected that four town trails will be created with information boards along the routes and signs to help walkers stay on track.

After a series of trial walks, to which the public will be invited, details will be available in leaflets or on the www.bishopaucklandtown.org website.

Robyn Holmes, of the partnership, said: "The partnership looks to enhance community involvement in Bishop Auckland and sees the Town Trails project as an ideal vehicle to encourage widespread interest and involvement from both local people and local organisations."

The walks are likely to benefit businesses in the area because more people visit the town and see what it has to offer.

Earlier this year The Northern Echo launched a campaign to champion the cause of towns such as Bishop Auckland and promote what they have to offer to shoppers.

Fiona McKay, regional Local Heritage Initiative advisor, said: "This project is excellent because it is helping local people to see their heritage through new eyes.

"Projects like this are so often the springboard for many other things that can help galvanize a community to greater things.

"The Local Heritage Initiative has more grants available and we want to hear from groups who will surprise and delight us with their innovative ideas."

The steering group wants to get the project under way as soon as possible. Residents or groups wanting to be involved with the project can call the Four Clocks Centre on (01388) 609852.